It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Ike blew through the Gulf Coast eight months ago. It’s harder to believe that so many families, individuals and businesses are still in the process of recovering. Last fall, I was honored to be invited to participate as a member of the Bush-Clinton Recovery Fund. At the first meeting of the Fund Committee, former Presidents Clinton and Bush (41), and Former Secretary of State James Baker led a fact-filled and heart-felt discussion on what they had just observed for themselves in a helicopter fly-over of Galveston, and what they needed us to help them accomplish.
Many members of the Fund Committee sit as heads of corporations or Consul Generals representing their governments. Then there were a few clergy, including me. What do a few “holy” men do to make a difference for the victims of Hurricane Ike? We can pray, but it will take more than prayer to rebuild the Coast. Rev. Dr. Levenson of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and I sat next to each other at that initial Fund Committee meeting. We asked each other how we could make a difference. Together, we created the idea of an interfaith worship service that would raise awareness of the on-going recovery effort and some donations at the same time.
Rev. Dr. Levenson and I are very pleased to co-host a remarkable gathering of national and religious leaders on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage at Woodway, at 6:00pm. During the hour-long interfaith experience, President H.W. Bush, Secretary of State Baker, and Frank Billingsley will share words of experience and personal concern about the Gulf Coast Recovery Fund and effort.
To date, $2.7 million in cash and pledges have been raised. The estimated cost to restore essential services and resources is $38.5 million in four categories: Community Safety and Welfare, Infrastructure and Rebuilding, Social Services and Education, and Economic Rebuilding. Whatever amount we raise through a free-will offering (donation) taken up at the service will provide meaningful support in real dollars and symbolic hope.
Clergy of various faiths will read scriptural passages from their respective faiths. No homilies or particular religious messages will be made. Rev. Dr. Levenson and I will welcome everyone with our words of personal concern and Cantor Gerber will participate.
I urge you to find the time to come with your family and friends. It’s vitally important that the Jewish community participate by attending this Sunday. I look forward to looking out from the pulpit of St. Martin’s and seeing you. You’re the familiar faces I need to see in the joint effort we’re making to rebuild the places, the streets and the homes we have all come to know and enjoy in Galveston and along the Gulf Coast. Remember that in 1900, when the last great hurricane swept across Galveston, it was Rabbi Henry Cohen who stayed with the community and became a real hero in the eyes of all people. In memory and honor of Rabbi Cohen’s dedication to the Island, and in service to those who struggle, today, join me on Sunday, May 3rd.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
__________________________________________________
Contact Rabbi Lyon